Who are Pastoral Assistants?

They are people who are trained to walk alongside others and keep them company when they are in need.

They may specialise in:

• hospital visiting
• marriage and families
• children
• bereavement
• care of the elderly

They also:

• are mature, stable Christians with a certain amount of life experience
• have a flexible approach and able to be sensitive to problems that are presented to them
• have the support of their Incumbents and PCC
• are able to work collaboratively as part of a team
   

Who uses Pastoral Assistants?

• The Parishioner. Take a look at any Parish. You’ll see see many people who would like someone to talk to. Very often they do not want to bother the clergy, but would appreciate a 'listening ear'.
• The Clergy. An Incumbent often needs someone to assist with Pastoral work.
  Click here for more about Pastoral Assistant Ministry

Who trains Pastoral Assistants?

The diocese recognises that it has a responsibility to train those who feel called to PA Ministry and so each year it runs a Foundation Course.

The Pastoral Assistants' Foundation Course

There are two phases to the course, over one year. Students work in groups, learning together, sharing experience and practising skills.

Pastoral Assistants are authorised by the Bishop at a service held in the Cathedral.
Click here for more about the Pastoral Assistant Foundation Course.

Interested?

You will need to:
• pray about it
• seek the view of your Incumbent
Click here for more about the application process.

If you decide to go further your Incumbent should apply for the Course Brochure from:

Sue Lawrence
Senior Tutor, Pastoral Assistant Foundation Training
Diocesan House
Quarry Street
Guildford GU1 3XG
Telephone: 01483 790321
Email:sue.lawrence@cofeguildford.org.uk

Authorised Pastoral Assistants

Revd Lynne Bowden is responsible for all Pastoral Assistants once they have been authorised and organises the Annual Training Day.
Telephone: 01483 790321
Email: lynne.bowden@cofeguildford.org.uk

Further training for Pastoral Assistants

Each year in the autumn the Department of Ministerial Training puts together a programme of various study days, some of which are suitable for Pastoral Assistants to attend. Click here to link to details of these study days.

Pastoral Assistants Newsletter - 'Together'

Click here to download 'Together'
 

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